Katete to have modern varsity
PLANS to build a modern universality in Katete have reached an advanced stage, district commissioner Joseph Makukula has said.
Mr Makulula said that the planned university would be agriculture-oriented and would house all the key faculties required in an institution of that nature.
In an interview on Thursday Mr. Makulula said the government was committed to ensure that the institution would be used as a bridge to end inequalities between the urban and rural communities by providing education of highest standards to the people.
Mr Makukula said he was hopeful that the institution would stimulate growth of Katete into a more dynamic catchment of excellency for the benefit of Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique and other countries. He said the institution would in future be a central point for Katete’s development as there would be enough data supported research to direct opportunities and areas of expansion.
“We are now assured of the establishment of a State university in Katete. The university will be constructed some 20km on Great East Road towards Sinda Boma,
“The new university was deliberately designed and modelled to accommodate various faculties and agriculture would be the mainstay of the academic institution,” he said.
Although the name of the university was yet to be decided, it would most likely be centred on the strong identity of the district and the local people.
“We are yet to decide the name of the university but it should resonate with the culture and tradition of the local people. To do this, we have exchanged notes with traditional leaders to come up with a deserving name,
“In addition to the name, the institution will be a pride for Katete and an influencer for the great development we are anticipation,” Mr Makukula said.
He said that Paramount Chief Gawa Undi immensely supported the initiative to build the university in the area.
The chief gave the State enough land on which to construct the university in support of the government’s effort to increase peoples’ access to higher education across Zambia.
And the Ministry of Higher Education has since submitted the final design of the prestigious institution for final scrutiny by funding partners.